Last weekend, I went to Bath. I brought my Cath Kidston gift vouchers along which I had received for my birthday back in July. I had purposely saved them for the new Autumn collection.
Their window displays are always so bright and well put together.
I never used to be one for bright colours but in the last 2 or 3 years I have grown to wanting/needing more bright colours around the house especially in the kitchen which I see as a lively and happy family room.
I generally prefer having vintage fabrics/curtains around the house. I don't like many high street shops/chains such as Next etc.. and don't usually shop in them. However, CATH KIDSTON is an exception, as a 'modern' shop I think she's got it just right for me. It's modern but with a vintage feel, the colours and designs I LOVE! When I walk in to a CK shop it always feels happy, cheerful and very welcoming.
In the 80's and early 90's I used to love LAURA ASHLEY clothes & home ware (I loved the flowery dresses, remember them?) but sadly after Laura Ashley died, I felt it all went downhill. The style changed, it didn't really feel like Laura Ashley anymore. They had lost their identity.
Although I still see the occasional thing that I like, it doesn't have the same appeal as it used to have. I prefer Cath Kidston for when I want that 'modern' touch around the house.
I know that Cath Kidston is very popular and the funny thing is that I don't usually like having what everyone else has, if it's very popular it usually puts me off or I just don't buy it (I like to be different and a bit more individual). However, it's clear that I have make an exception when it comes to CK. Why? Well, I really like her things and despite them being seen in several places, I don't mind for some reason. After all if I like it, that's all that should matter.
BACK TO MY SHOPPING TRIP...
Where do I begin? So many things that I like!...Very tempted by the paisley scarf at the bottom right hand side of this photo. I am a scarf person! I have a big deep draw full of them.
ooh those dresses look pretty...
Upstairs, more things to make my decision a difficult one
The rose cushion at the bottom is very pretty, just the right colours for my lounge..
More cushions, some of them in vintage fabric
The blanket caught my eye, I could picture it wrapped around me on a cold winter's night...
The duvet set, perfect for Miss P's room.
I went back downstairs to try on this pretty tea dress which I spotted as soon as I walked in to the shop.
The dots are pale pink, such a pretty feminine dress...
I came back home with the dress
and...the paisley scarf
I will have to wait a bit longer for some of the items that I liked such as the blanket, duvet set, sewing box...and other things....Looks like Cath Kidston vouchers will be on my Christmas list again!
A bientôt!
Isabelle x
42 comments:
Sounds like you had a good time browsing at CK. I must admit I am not really a fan myself but it certainly looks an interesting shop and some of the items are making me thing perhaps...! Love the paisley scarf. I too am a scarf person and saw one I loved recently in M&S which I may yet go back for!
I'm longing to go to a Cath Kidston shop. The one in Bath looks wonderful. At the moment I can only buy on line and it would be nice to actually see the items before I bought them. I'm hoping to visit one in London when I go there Christmas shopping. I agree with you about Laura Ashley. I am very disappointed with their style lately. They've gone far too contemporary which is a shame.
Hello Isabelle! What marvellous shop! In Italy we haven't CK stores but when I was in London on Jan I went there and I was enchanted!!!! I bought some fabric but I havn't used it yet...I still have to decide what to make without wasting it!
Happy week end!
Vale
Looks like you had a lovely time in CK. what great pics. We are lucky enough to have a ck open in winchester near me so I'm even more tempted these days. Glad you found some lovely things to spend your vouchers on.
No surprises your fave shop would be Cath Kidston!
So envious you brought one of the tea dresses, they're lovely.
I can't wait for SEW the new book to be released, I've pre-ordered my copy.
Victoria xx
The dress and the scarf are excellent choices. Wish we have a CK shop in Holland too..
Isabelle, I also blogged about Cath Kidston today! Let's link cyber pinkies and make a wish! I love the dress, scarf and the duvet set so much! I wish we had a Cath Kidston store in Australia! I know what you mean about not liking things when they are too popular - but I cannot resist Cath Kidston. I think she makes the world a cheerier and more beautiful place. Enjoy your weekend. xx
I've yet to visit a Cath Kidston shop. From your photos the shop looks so beautiful like a sweet shop full of tempting things. I would definitely buy a bag. The dress is lovely. I noticed you mentioned Laura Ashley, I felt the same but I think they have improved in recent times and are getting back to their old values but of course it will never be the same. Have you ever looked at the Elanbach website which is to do with Bernard Ashley. I have been in contact with them for some of my designs to be printed. There are some pretty fabrics by Laura Ashley's' daughter just like her mums.
Adele
it looks just wonderful...the colors and fabrics are so lovely...what a fun place to shop!!!
So much beauty. A feast to our eyes.
Alfazema
I have never been to a CK shop....it looks like fun. I love your tea dress and know you will look stunning in it! Thanks for sharing all those wonderful photos of your day! Take care, Laura
Lovely frock, Isabelle, you will look fab. I really enjoyed that virtual mooch round Cath K, there are many things I like in there at the moment, oh dear! I particularly love the new flowery bedding (white with flowers, v vintage looking, I think it's called bouquet), it can only be a matter of time... I think they need to start a loyalty scheme so we can collect points for future credits!
I totally agree, I couldn't care less whether other people like what I buy, whether anyone else has it or not, I just have to like it (and errm, Andy and Harry, of course)!
Have a great weekend.
Hen x
lovely purchases! such a wonderful CK shop; i haven't been to that one .. may have to plan a trip to Bath to visit! :)
Jess and I were meant to be going to Baths CK tomorrow but the duvet s.et she wants is out of stock. Sadly it is in Bristol too but i'd promised her a visit to CK so as Bristol is nearer we'll go there.
Like you I don't normally like to have what others do but with Cath it's a bit different and to be honest none of my friends are into her (only my bloggy friends) so I guess I am being individual 'hehe'!
Love your dress!
Have a great weekend
((hugs))
Beki xxx
wow, looks like my kind of shop. Love the colours and I love love love that paisley scarf. I am also a scarf person. Have so many...
Thank for the virtual tour of CK in Bath. Lovely buys.
I love the polka dot dress and scarf - perfect for Autumn dressed up with boots and a roll neck for winter with some lovely thick tights. A good choice indeed!
Have a lovely weekend,
Nina x
Her shops really are a very visual treat. I have to say I have only been in a CK shop only recently. I really like her stuff. And love that bright vintage vibe. Although I have yet to buy something from there.
Thank you for such a lovely tour. The dress is really pretty too.
MBBx
There aren't any CK shops near us either, so thank you for such a good look round - now I know what I'm missing!!:-( Like someone else commented, although you can buy online, it would be so nice to see the real thing - will have to plan a trip up I think!
I used to adore LA dresses as a teenager - me and my friend would spend ages in LA trying them on - the tea dress you got looks gorgeous! x
Love the look of CK but I don't think we have that here, maybe Calgary, but not up North yet. Too bad, I do need a new sewing basket desperately! I am trying to remake mine, it's a job.
I love the new dress Isabelle, you'll look stunning!
Have a great weekend!
Hugs,
Margaret B
Lovely choices you have made!
I too have moved onto brighter colours for my home from more autumnal colours, although I do still like my neutral walls! x
Fabulous creations by CK, you are right her designs and the whole look is quite uplifting. I enjoyed the tour thank you, and your dress is nice too. best wishes Julie.C
I love what you bought at the CK shop in Bath.The colours just 'hit' you when you go in don't they? I feel the same about Laura Ashley.I'm trying to confine MY C.K to the kitchen...love the china,napkins and T towels,but now it's starting to take over the rest of the house!
Have a good weekend.
Bellaboo
I think I must have gasped at every photo! CK is so so very gorgeous... I think I could happily set up camp in one of her shops! Bath is wonderful in itself, but CK in Bath... heaven! Have a wonderful weekend xxx
So many things to choose, too much choice! I love the dress and scarf, bet you look wonderful in them. Have you seen the paisley tights on my blog? But that would be just too much paisley.
Ruth x
Are you doing Lissylou's Show us your Cath day? It sounds like fun, and we would adore more pictures like these...
Thanks for the great tour - I feel very like you about CK stuff - the vibrant colours are a great lift amongst more muted vintage things. BUT, I won't be buying any of them new for a year, will I?
Wow, you had a fabulous browse, and spend in there. I love the dress - but all her things are just so pretty. I tend to agree with you about LA, though I do still like a lot of what LA do.
Lovely pics - thanks for sharing your shopping trip. x
Sounds like you had a wonderful time , love the dress and the blanket,to be honest it,s all lovely you were spoilt for choice.
Have a great weekend hugs Pat
Hi Isabelle,
Found your blog by chance. It looks very inspiring! I love vintage as well and your photos are lovely!It looks like you had an exciting time shopping in Bath! Very jealous because Leeds does not have a Cath Kidston shop!
What a pretty shop. I think being able to pick and chose from a well known designer is ok as long as you mix it up with some of your own unique pieces. Which of course you do. Years ago everyone here did Waverly. Then you saw certain patterns being used by the big box stores. That really killed it for me.
Carole
Isabelle, your blog is heavenly and your posts and pictures are beautiful! Living the good life, I's say!
Hugs,
Maryjane
All I can do is ohh and laa...at all these amazing adorable items...if only we had one of her stores in Canada! Boo Hoo. That dress is amazing! Thanks for the shopping tour!
Oooooooooooh! Look at all of those lovely things. Im still a big fan of Laura Ashley, but I do agree the style and essence of their products have changed and they are just like any other 'very nice' interiors shop. The only problem with us all loving CK is that all of our houses in blogland are starting to look the same LOL! X
I love going in there too. The women who work there are always so friendly. Love your new dress! Very jealous!!! Have a lovely weekend, Lizzie x
I want to go to Bath, I want to go to Bath, I want to go to Bath. It just moved waaaaaaaaaaaaay up on my list of travel places to visit. Wonderful post....
Bath seem to be a marvellous place! I love all those vintage like fabrics and I totally agree with you what you have to tell about Laura Ashley. I do visit Laura Ashley but unfortunately there is no Cath Kidston shop around here, maybe after this crisis is over there will be one. Another reason to hope for its end. Have a great weekend!
Isabelle darling, I agree with you on a few points, I used to like soft and mellow colours until about 6 years ago…now I am a changed woman. Loud but not too loud colours are my favourite now.
As for Laura, she used to be unique and that has changed tremendously over the years, so no more Laura. I simply adore Cath!!! Like you, I too dislike the same look as everyone else, however, with Cath’s stuff it is possible to twist it and make it your own.
I see you had a good time and I hope you are having a lovely weekend as well.
Love & Hugs
Duchess
Great purchases from the wonderful Cath Kidston, her things are always on my Birthday/Christmas wish lists! Hope your having a sweet weekend! x
Such beautiful, colorful things!
Love, Chani
I just love the Cath Kidston shops, there is always something to catch the eye and tempt you to part with your cash. I love that blanket just right to snuggle up with now that the evenings are drawing in.
Debbie
Hi Isabelle
I am the same as you wanting to be a bit different and always prefer vintage over modern but yes, goddamn it, Cath has it just right so try as I might to ignore her ctalogues I just cannot resist. That dress is delicious and I bet it looks wonderful on you. I treated myself to the brown floral one this season to be worn with red tights ;-)
Enjoy your purchases, you waited a long time to spend your vouchers!
I'm just discovering your blog and I live it. Thanks from sharing, merci!
Cecile xxx
Post a Comment